“When time is brain, this specially equipped ambulance will mean stroke patients will have the specialist treatments they need much sooner.” - Professor Stephen Davis, Director Neurology and the Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital

It will save more lives by providing the quickest possible diagnosis and very best treatment for patients suffering a deadly stroke, before they even reach the hospital.

Time is critical when responding to a stroke – every second counts.

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The purpose-built, 5.3 tonne ambulance has an on board CT scanner capable of imaging the patient’s brain to detect the type of stroke they are experiencing to immediately start assessment and treatment.

The ambulance is also crewed with a stroke nurse, radiographer and two paramedics, with a stroke neurologist on staff at the hospital to receive and analyse scans.

“This Australian first stroke unit will save hundreds of lives, and we’re proud to be delivering it.” - Premier Daniel Andrews.

This will mean patients will receive faster treatments such as clot busting thrombolysis, which is required in four out of five strokes.